Newly opened on Grissom Rd., Pirate Tavern caters to a mostly young crowd and offers everyday drink specials that include two dollar beers, pool, darts and pirate's feel complete with plenty of cool decorations. Robin Johnson

Newly opened on Grissom Rd., Pirate Tavern caters to a mostly young crowd and offers everyday drink specials that include two dollar beers, pool, darts and pirate's feel complete with plenty of cool decorations. Robin Johnson

Newly opened on Grissom Rd., Pirate Tavern caters to a mostly young crowd and offers everyday drink specials that include two dollar beers, pool, darts and pirate's feel complete with plenty of cool decorations. Robin Johnson

Pierre Colvert (cq) (left) and Jacob Hernandez have a guy's night at Pirate Tavern on August 4, 2012. Robin Johnson

Pierre Colvert (cq) (left) and Jacob Hernandez have a guy's night at Pirate Tavern on August 4, 2012. Robin Johnson

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Newly opened on Grissom Rd., Pirate Tavern caters to a mostly young crowd and offers everyday drink specials that include two dollar beers, pool, darts and pirate's feel complete with plenty of cool decorations. Robin Johnson

Snapshot: Don't let the faded strip-mall setting — or the pirate theme, for that matter — fool you. This is a nifty, Northwest Side bar that doesn't break new ground but packs a lot of themes into a small space: a little night clubby, a little neighborhood bar. Yes, there are Jolly Roger pirate flags on the walls, and a bar adorned with “gold” doubloons beneath a glass cover. But that's where the kitsch ends. Dart boards, pool tables and several mounted TV sets cater to the customers who want to chill. But many others seemed happy to party and enjoy the array of drink specials.

Who goes there: All ages. A sign outside said a dress code is strictly enforced, and there certainly were a few ladies in heels and men in fine form. But I walked in wearing shorts and a T-shirt, and no one threw me out.

Behind the bar: This place offers what I just don't see enough in local bars — combination beer and shot specials, like the BLT (Bud Light and Tuaca liqueur) or the Jimmy Special (Modelo and el Jimador tequila). Happy hour from 3-8 p.m. features $1.50 beers and $3 shots. All night, Budweiser and Bud Light cost $2, and Wild Turkey rings up at $3. Enjoy $2 well whiskey and vodkas.